Rachel Reeves has backed Andy Burnham as the next PM despite speculation he could sack her. The new Makerfield MP, who could enter 10 Downing Street within weeks, is widely expected to replace Ms Reeves as Chancellor.
But she would not be drawn on reports that she may accept another, more junior rule. She told the BBC: “I’m not going to pre-empt the decisions that the new Prime Minister will make. I’m backing Andy. I think he’d be a great prime minister, but those are his decisions, not mine to make.”
Ms Reeves added that “no one could doubt” her commitment to Sir Keir in recent years.
She said: “I’ve been by his side for six years now as Shadow Chancellor and then as Chancellor of the Exchequer.”
The Chancellor added: “I know that whoever is Prime Minister and Chancellor in the future will inherit a stronger economy than the one I inherited two years ago.”
It comes amid talks over who might serve in a Burnham Cabinet.
Names tipped for Chancellor include former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Mr Burnham looks set to replace Sir Keir Starmer within weeks, as few challengers have emerged in the Labour leadership contest.
Former armed forces minister Al Carns, who resigned earlier this month in a row over defence spending, remains a possible contender, calling for a “proper debate” on the country’s future.